But after toppling Brad Friedel as the club’s No.1, his signing now looks a masterful piece of business.

The French keeper has kept six clean sheets in his nine Premier League appearances this season. And Thorstvedt – the man dubbed ‘Erik the Viking’ – believes that Lloris is not only ready to anchor his former club’s assault on a Champions League place, but will become the most influential goalkeeper in the Premier League .

“Lloris is an incredible goalie,” Thorstvedt said.

“Plus he’s so quick [coming off the line as a sweeper] and I think that’s the most underestimated quality in a goalkeeper.

“Maybe early on he was too keen to impress in that way, but now he’s a lot more measured.